"You could do so much better!"

I was birthing partner to my friend who delivered her baby in Croydon a couple of months ago. I am a midwife by background and work in another NHS hospital.

My friend had a low risk pregnancy and was seen antenatally in the community. She was very pleased with her midwife and all the care she got.

She then booked with the birth centre as she wanted the best chances of having a normal delivery.

When she went into labour the birth centre was closed due to an understaffed labour ward (and remained closed until she was discharged home 2 days later!)

Therefore she was admitted to the labour ward in established labour. Her midwife was lovely, kind, compassionate, respectful, supportive...

My friend progressed well and started pushing a few hours later, as she did not have an epidural she tried different positions for one hour, after which, to my astonishment, a team of obstetricians barged in the room and offered her an episiotomy and "help" meaning of course a ventouse delivery. Apparently this is the protocol in this hospital.

Following my advice my friend declined the "help" and proceeded to give birth spontaneously, only 30 min later than the doctors would have liked.

The guidelines in this hospital are seriously outdated and not in line with NICE! they must have the highest rate of instrumentals in the UK!!!

For other mums out there, if you are planning to give birth in the birth centre, either change your plans or go elsewhere, chances are it will be closed.